Tobacco Prevention and Treatment

The Tobacco Prevention and Treatment page provides information and resources to support wellness interventions with patients/clients.

Addressing Tobacco Prevention and Treatment is Important

Those with mental illness smoke over 44% of the cigarettes consumed in this country. Tobacco use is highly comorbid with other addictions, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and mood disorders. It is also the “gateway drug” to other drugs of abuse, which can be a trigger for the onset of other psychiatric illness, particularly in transition age youth.

Tobacco use can alter psychiatric medication blood levels thus increase the amount of medication needed. Tobacco use contributes significantly to the early mortality for those with severe and persistent mental illness. It is also one more financial burden and social stigma for those seeking better housing and employment opportunities.